Ikea to Provide ‘Better Shelter’ for Syrian Refugees

30 November 2015

Ikea to Provide ‘Better Shelter’ for Syrian Refugees

The Swedish furniture superstore has taken on one of the most difficult problems facing contemporary society. Ikea has developed their innovative design and adapted it to the refugee crisis. The retailer’s charitable foundation runs a program called ‘Better Shelter’ which is attempting to create liveable temporary housing for millions of refugees worldwide. The homes have been recently used in Sweden, Germany and Switzerland to house the Syrian Refugees according to Yahoo News.

The homes are 57 square feet, which offer twice as much floor space as the typical canvas tents that are used in many refugee camps. The houses will be made of steel frames and feature windows, lights, vents and lockable doors to prevent sexual violence, a common problem in many refugee camps. They are more expensive then tents but are more durable and are said to last six times longer. Not to mention the fact that the shape and space will feel more like a typical home and offer a sense of security to the refugees as they await more permeant arrangements.

Ikea has long had a reputation for helping to better the world. Earlier this year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees ordered 10,000 Better Shelters. To date Ikea has donated more than $166 million to the refugee agency. While that are not offering a permeant solution to the world’s refugee crisis, they are offering some short term reprieve to the people who are fleeing their homes and seeking safety.